January 26, 2014 | 5:36pm ET

If the Sabres end up trading stars Ryan Miller, Matt Moulson and Steve Ott before the March 5 trade deadline, they want a high return for them.

Sabres GM Tim Muray told the Buffalo News he doesn't plan on trading any of his top-tier players without a significant package coming his way.

"I've told them all the same thing really and it was like, 'It's unfortunate you're going to see your name in the paper. That's just the nature of the game,' " Murray said. "They're not young players. They've been around. They know the game. They know that this is part of it.

"I told them not to believe everything they read or everything they've heard on the sports channels. But certainly their names are in play and we'll see what happens but it doesn't guarantee they'll be moved at all. For me, it's all about return. These are good players. So if the return was up to a certain point and not great and we then decide we want to talk to them about staying, then that's an option too."

Several teams have expressed an interest in Moulson, including the Phoenix Coyotes, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks.

A number of clubs are also eyeing Ott, such as the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks.

"There's been lots of interaction, a lot of early talking," he said. "There's been no real specifics. I think teams are just trying to feel us out, feel me out on what we want to do. There's certainly been discussions. I'm not sure there's any artificial deadline. I think people are in a wait-and-see mode, to tell you the truth."

Though the trade deadline is March 5, the Olympic roster freeze is Feb. 7, prompting speculation that a number of teams will look to make moves prior to that date.

"People are concerned about injuries this far out," Murray said. "If a contending team makes their one big move and that guy is not available when he needs to be, there's concern there from those teams. I'm really not sure a lot of teams want to pull off the big trade this far out. It could happen, but it doesn't seem to me there's any urgency right now."